top of page
Group:
Reptile
Estimated genome size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Size:
10 - 20 cm (total body length)
Distribution:
Endemic to the Republic of South Africa, occurring in Little Namaqualand from Port Nolloth to Clanwilliam.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
48.66 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
5.93 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
1.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
98.8% [S: 96.9%, D: 2.0%]
Importance:
It serves as an important model species for studying specific stages of limb development within the genus Scelotes, representing an intermediate limb development stage (forelimb digits = 0; hindlimb digits = 2), and for investigating the genomic evolution of vertebrates. It has a restricted distribution and occurs in distinct habitats and regions, making it an excellent model species for biogeographic and molecular ecology studies.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Dr. Zhongning Zhao
University of Free State
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
3-5 cm high, about 10 cm in diameter
Distribution:
Endemic to a single valley in the Western Cape and restricted to disjunct sites on quartzite pavements.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
41.67 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
10.91 kilobases
Assembly N50:
65 443.77 kilobases
Contig number:
1 590
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.75 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 95.8%, D: 3.5%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Bijlia dilatata
Clay Prince Albert vygie
.jpg)
Importance:
The Red List of Southern African Plants notes that the species is range-restricted species (EOO 260 km²) and 'declining due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation'. A recent publication by Milton et al. (2024) studied eight populations and concluded that grazing and climate change appear to be contributing to declines in this endemic habitat specific dwarf succulent, already threatened by land transformation and poaching in the Succulent Karoo hotspot of South Africa.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Helga van der Merwe
South African Environmental Observation Network: Arid Lands Node
Date Published:
2025-10-28
Photo credit:
© S. Milton
bottom of page